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A review by katiemack
The Paper Palace by Miranda Cowley Heller
challenging
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
Book Riot Read Harder Challenge 2022: Read any book from the Women’s Prize shortlist/longlist/winner list
I can't give this a rating because I'm still conflicted re: what I think about it.
On one hand, I admire Miranda Cowley Heller's ability to establish a strong sense of place and immerse her reader in the environments she creates. It was hard for me to put the book down because I wanted to keep learning about the characters and their dramatic history that's tied to these different settings. On the other hand, I hate when authors use rape as an unrelenting plot point (see: Outlander, GoT). Also, even though the narrative itself is gripping, I hated the characters most of the time. I'm not against reading about dirtbags, but dirtbags who can't communicate and who make confusing decisions are just annoying.
Hopefully I'll have a more solid rating and more to say about this book after my book club meets...but, until then, enjoy my confusing web of thoughts!
I can't give this a rating because I'm still conflicted re: what I think about it.
On one hand, I admire Miranda Cowley Heller's ability to establish a strong sense of place and immerse her reader in the environments she creates. It was hard for me to put the book down because I wanted to keep learning about the characters and their dramatic history that's tied to these different settings. On the other hand, I hate when authors use rape as an unrelenting plot point (see: Outlander, GoT). Also, even though the narrative itself is gripping, I hated the characters most of the time. I'm not against reading about dirtbags, but dirtbags who can't communicate and who make confusing decisions are just annoying.
Hopefully I'll have a more solid rating and more to say about this book after my book club meets...but, until then, enjoy my confusing web of thoughts!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Incest, Rape, and Sexual assault
Moderate: Emotional abuse